KLM Group Proposes ‘Smart’ Plan to Reduce Night-time Noise

Photo source: KLM Group.

The KLM Group, the leading Dutch aviation company, recently submitted a plan to the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management in response to the government’s proposal to reduce noise impact.

The plan aims to achieve a 20 percent reduction in noise throughout the day by 2026, and 15 percent at night, with the KLM Group committed to further noise abatement. The company’s proposal ensures the night-time target will be reached by 2024, followed by sustained noise reduction in the subsequent years.

In addressing environmental challenges, the Netherlands seeks a greener and cleaner future while prioritizing quieter conditions for residents near airports. However, according to the KLM Group, the current ministry’s plan focuses primarily on flight reduction to swiftly meet the targets, lacking emphasis on renewal and improvement.

Furthermore, KLM says the ministry’s plan fails to consider the differentiation between newer, cleaner aircraft and older, noisier ones, and the potential impact of severe flight cutbacks on national assets.

Source: KLM Group

To address these shortcomings, the KLM Group presented a “smarter, three-pronged approach to noise reduction”.

Firstly, the group proposes investing 6 to 7 billion euros in new aircraft, ensuring future earnings are allocated to cleaner, quieter, and more efficient planes. Recent data demonstrates that newer aircraft are approximately 50 percent quieter.

Secondly, the KLM Group has conducted extensive research into adopting smarter operational processes to ensure quieter operations. This includes alternative flight approach procedures that minimize time spent at low altitudes. While implementation poses challenges for airlines and local air traffic control, the KLM Group believes collaboration among all operators can achieve the noise targets.

Thirdly, the group suggests adjusting flight schedules to deploy the quietest aircraft during nighttime operations. They propose implementing higher airport fees for noisier aircraft compared to silent ones at Schiphol, incentivizing airlines to prioritize quieter fleets.

Source: KLM Group.

The KLM Group expects to achieve the night-time targets by 2024, followed by a continued reduction in noise throughout the day within three years. Their plan aims to deliver better results for local residents compared to the minister’s proposal, offering a choice between short-term flight reductions or long-term smart improvements.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the flag carrier of the Netherlands. Headquartered in Amstelveen, with its hub at nearby Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, it is part of the Air France–KLM group and a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance with a network of 92 European cities and 70 intercontinental destinations across the globe.